One evening at the Salvation Army in Compton, I had the opportunity to help serve a meal at a soup kitchen. This was a first for me (sadly), and even though I expected it to be a humbling experience, I was still surprised how out of place I felt, serving hot rolls to men and women who had such unimaginably difficult lives. Tired eyes, heavy shoulders and hungry stomachs. This was Compton.
At one point, while the people quietly ate their turkey and green beans, one woman began shouting and being disruptive. This stirred up a few others who were sitting near her, and the woman who ran the kitchen had to calm her down. The disruption of peace made me notice even more another woman who was serving with us. She was also a tall, queenly woman who had an amazingly peaceful smile. The hungry faces and uncertain sanity of visitors was routine for her. While I felt uncomfortable and a little embarrassed, her angelic smile never left her face, and she softly sang hymns as she cleared the tables. I saw Christ in her. I saw Christ in Compton.
Comments
Post new comment